Explore every episode of the podcast Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch

Welcome to the first episode of WBIP's brand-new series, The Emerald Road to Rockford 2027, tracking Team Australia Emeralds players and staff across the country and around the globe as the countdown begins to the 2027 World Cup Finals in Rockford.

On the first episode, host Amy McCann catches up with Emeralds stalwart Claire O'Sullivan, dialling in from Springfield, Illinois, where she has been suiting up for the New York Heights in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL).

Fresh off a whirlwind campaign that took her from elite club ball in Japan straight into international competition, Claire reflects on the demanding transition to professional play in the United States. She opens up about navigating a tight turnaround, flight cancellations, and visa delays in Toronto before stepping up to pitch four innings the very day she arrived in town.

The conversation winds back to the recent Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, taking a deep dive into the Emeralds' preparation and mindset. Claire breaks down the high-stakes, extra-inning thriller against Mexico in Game One, detailing how trust, composure, and emotional control set the tone for the entire dugout. She also relives the gritty, short-handed 14-13 walk-off win against Canada, capped off by her sister Elodie’s clutch knock, and explains the mental resilience needed to adapt as a utility player when the team needed her to make full-stretch plays at second base.

Beyond the box scores, Claire provides an insider look at the contrast between the daily grind of Japanese club baseball and life in the WPBL. From balancing recovery, scouting meetings, and fan interactions to the philosophy of mental resets, she explains why keeping a grounded perspective off the diamond is vital when riding the inevitable highs and lows of three-to-four games a week against world-class opposition.

Finally, the episode highlights the profound impact of grassroots development and mentoring the next generation of female athletes. Claire shares what it meant to look into the stands in Rockford to see dozens of aspiring young Aussie players cheering on the national side, the joy of giving back through Team Legacy clinics, and her core coaching philosophy of shaping confident people first and skilled baseballers second. Tune in for an honest, insightful discussion on elite tournament ball, overseas leagues, and the bright future of women’s baseball.

With just ten weeks until the Women’s Baseball World Cup Group A kicks off in Rockford, Illinois, the Australian Emeralds have officially named the squad they believe will secure their spot in the 2027 finals.

In this episode, Amy McCann sits down with Emeralds Manager Jason "Pops" Pospishil to unpack the meticulous and often difficult process of building a "tournament-style" roster.

Pops pulls no punches while evaluating the defensive lapses of 2023, explaining why "pitchability" and routine plays have become the program's new non-negotiables.

The pair discuss:

The 5-0 Mandate: Why the Emeralds are heading to the US with a mindset of total dominance rather than just "hoping" to qualify.

The 20-Player Puzzle: The logic behind selecting a "tiny" 20-man roster and the tactical bench pieces needed to counteract international pitching styles.

Culture vs. Execution: A candid look at moving the needle from "giving effort" to clinical execution, and why travel and social media complaints were seen as "red flags" in previous campaigns.

 

The Athlete Evolution: How increased strength and conditioning is creating a new generation of high-velocity, such as two-way stars like Caitlin Eynon.

Data as a Weapon: An inside look at the "copious amounts of video" and advanced scouting led by Ursula Howard to break down the spray charts and "pop times" of opponents like the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Rockford Legacy: The historical significance of playing in the home of the Rockford Peaches.

The 2026 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships will run from April 12-18 at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona.

Tune in to our podcast to hear from Wanneroo Giants teammates Meaghan Haggart and Grace Spano.

The "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18. 

WBIP founder Amy McCann and fellow Emerald alumni Amy Cannington chat to Kya Foxwell and Grace White to preview Queensland! 

The "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.

This “Girls Are Players Too” episode features an in-depth discussion with hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington, with Victorian stars Lili Cavanagh, and Ashley Patton. 

It focuses on the 2026 National Championships, specifically highlighting the Victorian team. The discussion includes the team's impressive history, having never missed a medal since the championship's inception in 1999. The episode features interviews with players Lily Cavanagh, the 2024 National Championship MVP, and Ashley Patton, a newcomer to the team. The conversation covers the team's preparation, the influence of coaching staff, and the integration of new and returning players. The hosts also discuss the broader context of women's baseball in Australia, including pathways for young players and the impact of international experiences.

GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE

The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign.

The shirts are available in all state team colours, with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball and the Hosts 01:32 Victoria's Dominance in Women's Baseball 04:45 The 2026 Victorian Team Overview 06:25 2026 Victorian Team.. drum roll.... 08:52 Coaching and Team Dynamics 11:14 Victorian Coaching Staff  13:30 What has to go right? What can stop them? 16:12 Beginnings in baseball 21:59 The Journey of Youth Sports and Team Dynamics 22:09 Youth Nationals: Triumphs and Challenges 25:36 Coaching and Mentorship in Women's Baseball 28:56 Emeralds Debut: The World Cup Experience 33:32 2024 Nationals MVP 36:17 Overcoming Injury: The Road to Recovery 39:39 Balancing Sports: The Transition to Footy 44:07 Exploring Softball: New Challenges and Goals 47:10 Victorian Team Dynamics: A New Chapter 47:31 Spotlight on Key Players 50:04 Team Spirit and Community 53:55 T-Time with Amy and Amy

Defending champion New South Wales heads into the 2026 Australian Women’s National Championships with a powerful core returning, alongside another exciting group of young talent.

On the latest Girls Are Players Too podcast, hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington were joined by NSW players Maddi Heath and Isobel Lambert to chat about the team, their journeys in the sport and what lies ahead at Melbourne Ballpark.

The 2026 squad features strong continuity, with 14 players returning from last year’s title-winning team. That includes stars such as Claire O’Sullivan, Ticara Geldenhuis, Mackenzie Jackson, Maddison Erwin, Lisa Nakashio, plus Lambert and Heath, giving NSW one of the most grounded line-ups at the event.

At the same time, the Blues have added more young talent to the mix. 2025 Golden Glove winner Ivy White, Emily Ninnes and Tamryn Love come straight out of the youth competition, while former Youth Award winner Olivia Bonello also joins the squad.

GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE

The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign.

The shirts are available in all state team colours, with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction  01:35 New South Wales Team Overview 05:04 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 08:23 Welcome Maddi and Isobel 09:58 All things blue and purple 11:50 Personal Journeys in Baseball 12:30 Early Baseball Beginnings 13:32 The Competitive Spirit in Baseball 15:14 Representing Australia: Early Achievements 17:15 Paving the Way for Future Generations 19:23 Navigating Youth Nationals 21:22 Youth Nationals Memories 23:21 First Women's Nationals Memory 24:04 The Journey to Open Women's Nationals 25:31 Isy's First Experiences in Women's Baseball 28:16 Balancing Sports and Life 29:30 The Duality of Baseball and Softball 31:25 The Future of Women's Baseball 39:56 Celebrating Achievements and Team Spirit 41:05 The Impact of Coaching and Leadership 42:17 Addressing Team Losses and Filling Gaps 43:57 Injecting Youth into the Team 44:47 Catching Dynamics and Player Development 46:36 Rivalries and Competition in Women's Baseball 49:44 The Importance of Team Culture 50:48 Spilling the Tea: Fun and Games in the Dugout

Hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington preview South Australia’s youthful and exciting squad for the 2026 National Championships at Melbourne Ballpark.

They break down the ins and outs of the roster, new coaching staff, and key players to watch, then speak with rising stars Peyton Daniels and Bree Ridding about their pathways, team dynamics, and Nationals expectations.

The episode highlights South Australia’s blend of youth and experience, training approaches, leadership from returning players like Carly Moore, and the team’s lively dugout culture — all ahead of the April 12–18 tournament. Chapters

00:00Introduction to the 2026 National Championships 00:33SA let's get started 02:42Overview of South Australia’s Team Dynamics 05:03Key Players and Their Impact 07:25Coaching Changes and changes 08:42Player Experiences and Backgrounds 10:09Training Regimens and Preparation for Nationals 12:37Bree on winning with SA Youth Team 13:12Peyton on trialling for SA 13:50Anticipation for Upcoming Championships 20:20Youth Energy in the Team 20:42Returning Players and Their Impact 23:04Current Season Performance and Roles 24:44Team Dynamics and Club Success 25:56Players to Watch This Season 28:11Spill the Tea: Team Insights 33:22Final Thoughts and Team Spirit 

The two Amys are back to bring you everything you need to know about the 2026 Australian Women's and Youth Championships!   Emeralds and Nationals stars Amy McCann and Amy Cannington will have a preview of all five states ahead of April's 2026 Women's Nationals and Youth Nationals in Melbourne.   Join them as they catchup with stars of the NSW, Victorian, Western Australian, Queensland and South Australian sides. 

 

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Women's Nationals 02:50Amy Cannington's Baseball Journey 05:18Amy McCann's Baseball Journey 08:45Memorable Moments in Nationals History 11:26Preparing for Nationals 14:25Reflections on Last Year's Nationals 17:38Emerging Young Talent in Women's Baseball 20:23Looking Ahead to Future Nationals 21:25World Cup Excitement and Team Dynamics 23:25Team Previews: New South Wales and Victoria 25:57Emerging Talent in South Australia 28:20Youth Nationals: A New Generation of Players 31:19Tournament Structure and Fixture Insights 34:00Introducing the ROOS Team and Future Prospects 35:26Tea Time: A Fun New Segment Resources

• Girls of Players 2 Volume 2 T-shirts

This was a fun one! Recorded on the sidelines at the 2025 Queensland State Titles, watching a game and chatting about a part of baseball we couldn’t play without… umpires. I sat down with Alisha Jewry, one of the youngest female umpires going around, to talk about how she found her way into umpiring, getting thrown straight behind the plate early on, and why she stuck with it. We chat about what it’s like being a woman umpiring in men’s baseball, the difference state titles and nationals make when it comes to confidence and learning, and the power of being around people who actually want to help you get better. Alicia also shares what it meant to umpire at world-first girls nationals and to be heading to the US for professional umpire school. “If you love the game, umpiring gives you a whole new perspective. It builds confidence, teaches you to trust yourself, and honestly, it’s the best seat in the house.” 🎧 Women’s Baseball – The Inside Pitch

Thanks to Baseball Queensland, Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch's Amy McCann visited the Runcorn Indians and Narangba Demons baseball clubs for the 2025 Queensland State Titles. 

Amy chatted to players, coaches, umpires, scorers, high performance staff and more about the great event! 

Chapters

00:00 Intro 00:52 Anna Day - A tournament Director like no other 03:49 Nick Bachono - an eye on Nationals 05:48 Kya Foxwell - full circle as player to player & coach 06:58 Cassandra Hall - Best seat in the house  09:40 Peter Riggs & NQ Storm: Building a Family Culture in Baseball 11:41 Leigh Druery - can't keep track without a scorer 15:01 Gemma Scales - The Rise of Women's Baseball in the Territory 16:33 Monica Arcuri - junior baseballer making giant steps around the world 20:09 Neal Ragou - Guiding the next generation  24:37 Thanks 

Join me as I chat with Peyton Newman about her incredible experience playing in the Canada East League in Quebec. From her roots with the Carine Cats to taking her baseball career international, Peyton shared some great insights on growth, opportunity and what she’s learned along the way.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction  01:34 How she got started 03:05 National Championships and Achievements 05:52 Experience in the Showcase 08:09 On Carine Cats 10:08 Playing in Canada: The League and Training 12:42 Coaching and Team Dynamics 15:32 Skills Development and Game Experience 17:44 Navigating Versatility in Baseball Positions 18:45 Team Dynamics and Player Experiences 19:34 Youth Baseball Development in Canada 21:21 Cultural Immersion and Life in Canada 23:25 Personal Growth Through Challenges 27:33 Embracing Opportunities in Sports 27:58 Advice for those thinking of going overseas 30:08 Preparation and Mental Readiness for Travel 32:19 Revamping Baseball Uniforms

Field of dreams to a reality for these two Aussie ballers Allie Bebbere and Molly Paddison!

The duo joins Amy McCann to all things Women's Profressional Baseball League trials held in the United States.

Allie and Molly discuss their decision-making process, the challenges of preparation, their arrival in Washington, and the emotional rollercoaster of the trial experience, culminating in their time at Nationals Park.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) 02:23 Choosing to nominate in the first place! 04:42 Choosing to make the the trip over 06:29 Preparation for Trials 08:04 Like 'what the?' 12:50 Arrival in Washington and First Impressions 13:40 Lets get to the Trials! 16:52 Trial Days Overview 25:38 Learning from Trials 28:50 Finding out they'd made the cut to play at a big league park!   32:39 The Excitement of Playing at a Major League Park 38:52 Major League Game Day 46:40 No bad hops 48:44 Stand out moment 50:15 Molly's nap time 52:46 Advice for Future Generations 55:09 The big question - how has it changed you? 58:37 Anticipation for the Draft and Future Opportunities 01:00:55 The Draft. 01:02:24 Congrats and Thank you! 

Monica Arcuri is just 12, but she’s making history every time she steps on a baseball field.

In July 2025, she became the only girl to contest the Little League World Series and just the 24th in history.

She stepped up for Australia and landed a hit, joining a select group of only eleven girls to ever record one at the LLWS.

In this chat, Brisbane's Monica talks about the Series, training in Japan, juggling school with sport, and what it means to be a girl in baseball.

She shares the lessons she’s learned, the mates who’ve backed her, and her hope to see more girls playing the game back home.

Welcome to another episode in our "Beyond the Bases" series that talks all things the grassroots of Australian baseball. In the series, we hear from clubs doing great things for women and girls baseball all across the country. 

In this episode, host Amy McCann speaks with members of the Adelaide Angels Baseball Club Bec Murdoch, Sophie Fuchs, and Dion Thiele about their experiences and the growth of women's baseball at their club.

They discuss the club's family-oriented culture, the evolution of women's teams, and the importance of creating opportunities for young female players. 

Plus we chat all things 2025 Barclay Cup! The prestigious Barclay Cup is a junior female baseball event in honour of Australian baseball legend Jacinda Barclay which will be hosted by the club from September 28 to October 4, 2025, at Weigall Oval.

 

The British Women's Baseball Team is going to the WORLD CUP! 

In this special episode, Amy McCann speaks with Oona Ylinen and Artie Herbert, members of the Great British Women's Baseball Team, who recently became Euro champions and qualified for the World Cup.

They discuss their journey into baseball, the emotional highs and lows of the tournament, and the importance of resilience and teamwork.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing full-time jobs with their passion for baseball, the significance of their victory, and their aspirations for the future of women's baseball in Great Britain.

 

In this episode, Amy McCann speaks with Laura Bailes about the upcoming 2025 Women's Euro Championships. They discuss the excitement surrounding the tournament, the growth of women's baseball in the UK, and the dynamics of the Great Britain team as they prepare for the competition. Laura shares insights on the team's preparation, the mix of returning players and rookies, and the strategies they are employing, including the use of data and mental preparation. The conversation also touches on team spirit, the importance of visibility for women's sports, and the support from fans and family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball and Team Vibes 02:25 Laura Bailes: Journey to Great Britain Baseball 04:43 Team Preparation and Commitment 08:01 Mix of Experience: Rookies and Veterans 10:44 Mental Game and Team Dynamics 11:40 British Style of Play and Strategy 13:51 Data-Driven Approach to Baseball 15:11 Team Playlist and Dugout Vibes 16:57 Goals and Aspirations for the World Cup 18:19 Support and Community Engagement

 

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Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

 

Host Amy McCann chats all this Dutch women's baseball with players Anouk Vergunst and Kim Schindeler and coach Martin De Koning. Hear all about the team's vibe ahead of the 2025 Women's Baseball European Championships, dynamics, insights into their training, team building, the unique spirit of Dutch women's baseball, the support from fans and sponsors, and Martin shares how proud he is of the team!

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Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Netherlands Women's Baseball Team 01:52 Intro to Netherlands 03:56 Team Selection and Training Dynamics 05:56 How the team comes together 07:16 What has the team been working on in the lead in 08:28 On getting to play a Euro Champs 10:45 Team Netherlands in 3 words! 13:34 Goals for the Champs 15:56 Coach has a proud moment!  20:12 Introduction to Women's Baseball in France

 

In episode two, Amy McCann interviews Géraldine Gauzelin Ors, the manager of the French National Women's Baseball Team, as they prepare for the 2025 Women's Baseball European Championships.   They discuss the growth of women's baseball in France, the challenges of team selection and development, the importance of training and teamwork, and the aspirations for future success in the sport. ------  

Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

     

In this conversation, Katerina Petroušková, a member of the Czech Women's National Baseball Team, shares her experiences and insights as the team prepares for the European Championships.   The discussion covers the excitement surrounding the tournament, the dynamics of the team, the challenges of hosting, and the aspirations of the players. Katerina also highlights the importance of community support and the growth of women's baseball in the Czech Republic.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball in France 03:57 The Journey and Team Dynamics 06:11 Development of Women's Baseball in France 07:59 Team Composition and Key Players 10:32 Training Focus and Team Spirit 14:04 Off-Field Dynamics and Social Media Presence 16:23 The Importance of Winning and Future Aspirations 19:01 Community and Respect in Women's Baseball

 

------  

Guess what? We’re heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

   

Welcome to Women’s Baseball: The Inside Pitch

Guess what? We’re heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions. Czechia — the hometown heroes. The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage. And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are: Can France make it three in a row? Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time? Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil? Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Let’s break it all down.

We all want to be back in Melbourne for the 2025 Nationals.   Yes, Post Nationals Depression has hit hard.   So cure what ails ya with this series rewinding to all things April and Melbourne Ballpark.  In this episode, host Amy McCann interviews Kira Kuwamoto from Victoria.  In this engaging conversation, Kira Kumoto shares her journey from Japan to Australia, discussing the cultural differences in baseball, her experiences in state teams, and the joy of playing the sport. She emphasizes the importance of mindset in performance and reflects on her role as a coach for youth baseball.   Kira also highlights the significance of teamwork and mentorship in sports, expressing gratitude for the opportunities she has had in her baseball career.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kira Kumoto 00:52 Kira's Journey from Japan to Australia 03:45 Representing Victoria and Winning Gold 05:07 The Late Call-Up and MVP Performance 08:32 Mindset Shift in Performance 10:06 The Joy of Playing Baseball 12:47 Coaching the Next Generation 14:33 Unsung Heroes in Team Dynamics 17:46 Future Aspirations in Baseball

   

We all want to be back in Melbourne for the 2025 Nationals.   Yes, Post Nationals Depression has hit hard.   So cure what ails ya with this series rewinding to all things April and Melbourne Ballpark.  In this episode, host Amy McCann interviews Meaghan Haggart from WA. 

We all want to be back in Melbourne for the 2025 Nationals.   Yes, Post Nationals Depression has hit hard.   So cure what ails ya with this series rewinding to all things April and Melbourne Ballpark.  In this episode, host Amy McCann interviews Mackenzie Jackson from New South Wales. 

We all want to be back in Melbourne for the 2025 Nationals.   Yes, Post Nationals Depression has hit hard.   So cure what ails ya with this series rewinding to all things April and Melbourne Ballpark.  In this episode, host Amy McCann interviews Sarah McMahon from South Australia. We chat about her experiences in women's baseball, particularly focusing on her return to Nationals after a break, the dynamics of a young South Australian team, and the growth of women's baseball in the region. We discuss the importance of community, leadership, and the excitement surrounding the future of the sport, especially with the talented youth players emerging. Sarah shares personal highlights from her performance and reflects on the camaraderie within her team, emphasising the supportive environment that fosters success. Stay tuned for the Rapid Rewind! 

We all want to be back in Melbourne for the 2025 Nationals.   Yes, Post Nationals Depression has hit hard.   So cure what ails ya with this series rewinding to all things April and Melbourne Ballpark.  In this episode, host Amy McCann interviews Charlotte Stokes, a rising star in Queensland women's baseball.   Tune in to hear them discuss Charlotte's transition from youth baseball to competing at the national level, her memorable performances during the nationals, and the challenges she faced as a rookie.   Charlotte shares insights on team dynamics, her goals for the future, and highlights a promising player to watch.    Stay tuned for the Rapid Rewind!    Chapters 00:00Introduction to Women's Baseball Nationals 2025 00:48Charlotte's Transition from Youth to Nationals 01:42Facing Tough Competitors and Memorable Moments 03:08Toughest faced at Nationals 04:29Recapping the big moments 05:12Team Dynamics 06:36Best bit of advice received at Nationals 09:02Goals 10:02Stokes' QLD player to watch 10:59Rapid Fire Nationals Rewind 11:51Rapid Fire Qs - QLD go to snack 12:33Rapid Fire Qs - Playlist selection 13:29Rapid Fire Qs - Fun Fact! 15:25New Chapter  

Caitlin Eynon and Chloe Atkinson join the show for the fifth and final episode in our Girls Are Players Too series. 

Host Amy McCann and co-hosts Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington, chat all things the history of WA Women's Baseball, the grit and determination of the players, the emergence of new stars, and their fave WA players of all time.   Caitlin and Chloe share insights on training, the Elite Series and their 2023 National Championship win.   The discussion also touches on the lessons learned from international experiences, the significance of mindset in baseball, and the challenges faced by two-way players and the 2025 Nationals.  'Drip or Skip' returns where we evaluate sports fashion choices including eye black and more..... 

 

Chapters

00:00 Intro 02:12 The Final Intro with Amac, Tahn and Sister 03:10 Whaddya think when ya think WA? 08:26 Whats in story for WA in 2025? 11:52 Caitlin and Chloe Join the show 12:48 Caitlin and Chloe on their start in the sport 16:10 Giants and Braves and clubland in WA 19:05 2023 - Champions of Australia 21:28 Stepping up on the international stage 25:46 Baseball - its 90% mental  33:36 Multi-way players finding balance 37:26 Gold to fifth to ??? 39:39 WA player to WAtch 41:05 Second oldest is how old? 44:13 Drip or Skip: Yellow or Red? 46:46 Drip or Skip: Eye black & the grey skies of Melbourne 49:01 Drip or Skip: Dirty Mids 53:23 Drip or Skip: Batting gloves.... or glove :)  56:38 The final countdown

In episode four of the Girls Are Players Too series, we jump into the world of Queensland women's baseball and discuss all things maroon!

We hear from Queensland baseball legend Karina Connors, Head Coach of the Queensland White team in 2025, about what she has seen across her 25 years in maroon baseball, the excitement of winning the 2023 Youth Nationals gold, coaching male and female athletes, and more.

Molly “The Business” Paddison shares her journey from ballet to baseball, and through the ranks of junior Queensland baseball, about being the only female athlete in teams, winning the 2023 Youth Nationals gold and her stunning performance at the 2024 Nationals, and her evolving mindset as she transitions from a rookie to a leader at just 17.

Plus 'Drip or Skip' returns to discuss walkout songs, helmet colours and outfield cellies.

Plus, watch out for a special guest who drops into the studio!

Chapters

00:00 Intro 02:42 Lets chat Queensland! 03:31 Queensland's Emeralds 04:29 Anne-Marieeeeeeee - EO to the stars! 05:24 2025 Queensland Rosters 07:43 So. Much. Youth. 09:57 Welcome Karina Connors (Sexo) 10:23 Sexo, a legend of QLD baseball 12:18 Karina on the changes over the last two decades in QLD baseball 14:13 On winning 2023 Youth Gold with QLD  16:53 Coaching Philosophy and the Path to Success 23:08 What does success look like for 2025 White? 27:31 Surprise Guest joins the show - the best name in baseball? 29:16 Storm's Journey in Baseball 30:12 Fangirling over Storm!  32:11 Goals for Nationals 33:19 Shoutouts and Rising Stars 34:24 Mental Toughness in Baseball 35:51 The Business End of the Show ;) 38:53 From Ballet to Baseball 40:33 Rising Through the Ranks 42:55 Experiences as the Only Girl 46:07 The Business chats 2025 Nationals 48:04 Mindset Shift for Nationals 51:53 Rivalries 55:07 Drip or Skip: Walkout Songs  58:32 Drip or Skip - White helmets 01:02:35 Drip or Skip: Cellies in the OF 01:07:06 Final words from The Business 

Welcome to the "Girls are Players Too" Podcast, a special series brought to you by Women's Baseball The Inside Pitch.   GRP2 will count down to the 2025 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 13-19.  

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals!McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

In episode 3, we chat to the New South Wales duo of Ticara Geldenhuis and Lisa Nakashio. 

We learn how and when they got started in the sport, and hear all about their recent baseball experiences in Japan where they immersed themselves into Japanese culture on and off the field.  We delve into the importance of strength and conditioning in developing athletes, dealing with menstruation as a female in sport, and we also discuss the mental pressures of being at the top in the sport. 

The episode talks to the history of the NSW state team, previews the 2025 roster, and also profiles the Blacktown Workers and Ryde Baseball clubs' women's programs.  In Drip or Skip, we tackle the big issues such as what blue is blue, what is going on with the white hats, eye black, and we invent double mitt cellies.

Make sure you hang around to hear Tahnee sing the NSW team song! 

Enjoy!

 

Chapters

00:00 Intro 02:55 Being a Blue 04:57 Tahnee on NSW team history 08:14 Amac's true blue blood 12:07 2025 Roster 17:28 Welcome Lisa and Ticara 19:59 Lisa and Ticara's visits to Japan 25:45 Learning from the best  35:26 Lisa chats coaching 39:37 The Role of Strength and Conditioning in Baseball 45:48 Dealing with periods in baseball and sport 49:58 2025 Nationals Preview  51:53 Blacktown Workers everywhere in the state team! 55:09 Lisa and Tahn chat Ryde! 01:01:06 Ticara and Lisa's NSW Players to Watch 01:02:41 Drip or Skip: Blue is the new black 01:06:56 Drip or Skip - Rookies Duties 01:07:55 Drip or Skip: White is the new Blue 01:09:07 Drip or Skip: Double sliding mitt cellies 01:11:51 NSW Team Song..... Explicit!

Welcome to the "Girls are Players Too" Podcast, a special series brought to you by Women's Baseball The Inside Pitch.   GRP2 will count down to the 2025 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 13-19.  

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals!McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

In episode two, Jess Maslin and Bianca Ramsey stopped by to chat all things South Australia, their rise in the game, how the game is booming in the state, the history of the state team and the upcoming 2025 elite team including the excitement of youth on the elite team.

The conversation also delves into the dynamics of team cohesion, we explore the training regimens of two players, and the transition from softball to baseball.

In Drip or Skip, we tackle the big issues such as t-shirt colour, pinstripes, crocs, baseball bling and baseball 'icks'.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 03:09 Exploring South Australia's Baseball History 05:35 What's the best SA team we've seen? 07:37 The 2025 South Australian Team Overview 12:33 The Importance of Game Play and Preparation 14:42 Guest Introductions: Jess Maslin and Bianca Ramsey 17:44 Comparing Baseball and Softball Skills 21:07 Jess' firsts with the bat! 23:03 Bianca's start in life! 25:05 Jess and Bianca share their Strength and Conditioning regime 28:45 On their participation in the Showcases 31:17 From Catcher to Pitcher: Bianca's Journey 32:55 Epic Performances: Nationals Highlights 35:17 2023 Team Dynamics: Building a Winning Culture 37:22 The Rising Stars: New Talent in the Team 40:26 Supporting Young Players: Leadership Strategies 43:41 Bianca and Jess give us their SA player to watch 45:59 Goals for Nationals 48:09 Drip or Skip: red shirts and rawdogging in the cage 52:36 Drip or Skip Bling 53:38 Baseball Icks 57:21 Tahnee chats pant style 01:00:36 Close

Welcome to the "Girls are Players Too" Podcast, a special series brought to you by Women's Baseball The Inside Pitch. GRP2 will count down to the 2025 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 13-19.

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals! McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

In week one, we meet Victoria's Belinda Cannington and Allie Bebbere to discuss their journeys in the sport and preview the Victorian team.  The episode explores the intense rivalries and reflects on the legacy of Victorian teams in national championships. The conversation shifts to the upcoming 2025 Victorian team, highlighting the challenges of youth and inexperience, the importance of leadership, and the personal journeys of players overcoming injuries.   The crew also discussed the journey of learning and development, injury prevention, and the importance of teamwork, the evolution of coaching methods, the introduction of Baseball Five, and the preparation for upcoming Nationals. The episode wraps up with the debut of the podcast segment that is set to take over the world - 'Drip or Skip'. What is it, well you have to tune in to find out!   Plus, you will want to stick around to the end to hear Allie's out-of-office message! 

Timings:  00:00 Intro 00:36 Welcome 01:47 Thoughts when you think of Victoria 04:56 The history and legacy of Victorian Baseball Team 08:16 The 2025 Victorian Team 15:15 Allie and Bel join the episode 23:49 Bel chats overcoming two knee recos 29:02 Allie talks World Cup selection 30:57 Allie talks Injury Prevention and Body Maintenance & Balancing Work and Recovery 36:35 Bel discussed the Evolution of Coaching and Training Methods 43:55 Allie introduces us to Baseball Five 46:57 Bel and Allie discuss Training for Nationals: Preparation and Strategy 52:08 Bel and Allie discuss discuss Team Dynamics and Rookies' Integration 54:47 Bel and Allie discuss Advice for Young Players 57:45 All four give us their Players to watch 01:00:41 The segment everyone has been waiting for... Drip or Skip 01:04:33 Drip or Skip - Double Cellies 01:08:06 Drip or Skip - Sliding Mitts 01:11:11 Closing Thoughts + Out of Office Fun   Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life 

License code: RKU7PURYNJLSE1QQ

 

From April 13-19, six open women’s teams (16+) and five youth women’s sides (U16) from across the country will compete in Melbourne at the 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships.

The schedules dropped earlier this week and in this conversation, Amy McCann invites Baseball Australia's National Tournament Director Michael Ibbotson discuss the upcoming Australian Women's and Youth Women's Nationals, exploring the intricacies of tournament management, scheduling challenges, and the importance of community engagement.

They delve into the evolution of tournament formats, the significance of having youth and women's gold medal games on the same day, and the vital role of volunteers and staff in making the event successful.

The discussion also highlights the advancements in broadcasting and the future goals for the Nationals, emphasising the passion and dedication behind the scenes.

 

Welcome to the second episode "Beyond the Bases which will hit up the grassroots of Australian baseball to hear from clubs doing great things for women and girls baseball all across the country. 

Today we travel to Townsville to chat all things Townsville women's baseball and for a chat with Paula Doherty (1:43), Emma Reid (16:00) and Nicola Caldwell (26:42). 

Plus remember to visit womensbaseball.me for all your women's baseball news and merch needs! Enjoy! 

Welcome to the first episode of a new season of Women's Baseball The Inside Pitch. 

"Beyond the Bases" will hit up the grassroots of Australian baseball to hear from clubs doing great things for women and girls baseball all across the country. 

For the inaugural episode, we visited the Carine Cats Baseball Club in Perth, Western Australia to hear about chat with President Craig Padifield, Junior Chair Kelly Wiersma and Junior Player Mylie Watt. 

Visit https://carinecats.com.au/ today. 

Plus remember to visit womensbaseball.me for all your women's baseball news and merch needs! 

Enjoy! 

What a 2024 for Audrey Cheung! 

Going yard at the world's first Little League Nationals in Lismore and then repping Team Australia at the U12 World Cup quallies in Guam.

In this episode, Amy McCann interviews Audrey Cheung from Victoria, Australia. Audrey shares her journey in baseball, starting from her early days playing t-ball to her experiences in the Australian Little League Championships and her recent selection for the Australian team. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, her memorable moments on and off the field, and her aspirations for the future. Audrey's passion for baseball shines through as she discusses her training, favourite positions, and the support she receives from her family and coaches.

Remember to head to womensbaseball.me :) 

In Season 6, travel around Australia's diamonds to hear from the people, clubs, organisations and players doing great things down under for Aussie women's baseball. 

Episode 3 features dual World Cup Emerald Claire O'Sullivan, a legend of New South Wales Baseball. Hear about Claire's start in regional NSW, her time with Country NSW, her Emeralds debut and that seven year gap between time in the green and gold, plus her recent stint with the Kyushu Honeys in Japan. Also remember to head to womensbaseball.me :) 

In Season 6, we travel around Australia's diamonds chatting to the people, clubs, organisations and players doing great things down under for Aussie women's baseball. 

For episode 3, we hit the top end to hear about all things Northern Territory women's baseball, significantly the Darwin Women's League.

Listen to Kai Meuronen, Participation & Pathways Manager at Baseball NT, Head Coach of the Stingers Gemma Scales (16:50), and Cyclones player Templar Murrell (29:55). 

In Season 6, travel around Australia's diamonds chatting to the people, clubs, organisations and players doing great things down under for Aussie women's baseball. 

For episode 2, we travel to Perth, Western Australia, to speak with Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale about the new WA Elite Women's Series, and all things WA Women's Baseball. 

We also have a chat to rising stars Ava Tyson (23:46) and Chloe Atkinson (34:51)  who featured in the opening game for the Melville Braves and Wanneroo Giants. 

In Season 6, we travel around Australia's diamonds chatting to the people, clubs, organisations and players doing great things down under for Aussie women's baseball. 

For episode 2, we talk all things The Barclay Cup, which is an epic week of baseball honouring Jacinda Barclay, a standout Australian athlete, one heck of a ballplayer, and an even better person off the field, who sadly passed away in 2020.

The Cup brings together female ballers aged 13-16 for a week of fun on and off the field from September 29th to October 5th with teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia set to hit the diamond. 

After making its debut in Queensland in 2022, before heading to Perth in 2023, Sydney will host the third edition of the Cup.

But what does it all mean, what impact has the event had? A lot and huge is the answer I got when I chatted with three people who will be making it a trifecta of Barclay Cups this year. 

Laura Neads, one of Jacinda's best mates who also played alongside her at the highest level for Australia who will be coaching the NSW Ball-hers team. 

Kendra Rutgers, one of the country's most exciting young prospects, who will be repping it for the Victorian Dingoes. 

Dion Thiele, one of the amazing coaches giving their time to girls and women's baseball in Australia.

Enjoy!

 

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 8 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch.   Season 5 is all about 'Firsts' and in the eighth and final episode for the season, we chat with Maddi Erwin from Canberra who became the first Canberran female to play in a World Cup game for the Australian Emeralds. 

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 7 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch.   This season is all about 'Firsts' and in this episode we chat with 12-year-old Emma Gainsford from Sydney, Australia, who in July 2024 became the first Australian female to participate in the Little League World Series in the USA! 

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 6 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch.   This season is all about 'Firsts' and today's episode talks all things about the first major documentary on the modern-day international women's baseball community.     In this episode, Amy McCann chats with acclaimed sports photographer Jean Fruth who with Jeff Idelson, former president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, has directed and produced See Her Be Her, a documentary on women’s baseball around the globe.  

The story follows the lives of seven women baseball stars who are at the pinnacle of their game and represent the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, South Korea, Cuba and Uganda. In the intense battle for the World Cup Championship, they want victory — for themselves, for their team, for their countries, and for the sheer love of the game — but their greatest triumph is the path they are blazing for future generations of female players.

See Her Be Her shatters a variety of stereotypes, as the seven players — through perseverance and resilience — push the boundaries of what’s possible both on and off the field. The film highlights their resolve to fight for gender equality for all female athletes.

The doco will make its debut on the MLB Network between Games 2 & 3 of the 2024 World Series.

 

Enjoy!

Welcome to Season 5 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch, “Firsts”, where a host of trailblazing players from around the world share their stories about how and when they became the first woman to…….   In Episode 5, I chat with Amy Collins, now Cannington, from Australia.    One half of the first sister duo to play for Australia, Amy has won nationals with Victoria and NSW and has played three World Cups for Australia.  Enjoy! 

Welcome to Season 5 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch, “Firsts”, where a host of trailblazing players from around the world share their stories about how and when they became the first woman to…….   In Episode 4, I chat with Laura Hirai from London, England!   Laura has etched her name into the history books as the first women to play baseball for the Great Britain U16/U18 (boys) National teams, the first woman to represent both the Great Britain women's baseball and softball teams, the first ball girl for the New York Yankees, yes the Yankees, at the UK Series in London... and more.   If her middle name wasn't already 'Baseball' it would be 'Firsts'. 

Welcome to Season 5 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch, “Firsts”, where a host of trailblazing players from around the world share their stories about how and when they became the first woman to…….   In Episode 3, I chat with Morgan Doty, who launched herself onto the women's baseball world in a big way in 2010 with an epic walk-off double which gave WA their first National Championship victory.  That just got Doty's career started, with the Perth-native going on to star for two states - WA and VIC - while also shining for Australia at three World Cups. 

Welcome to Season 5 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch, “Firsts”   Join me as a host of trailblazing players from around the world share their stories about how and when they became the first woman to…….   In Episode 2, I chat with 17yo Isobel Lambert from New South Wales who in 2023 became the first Australian woman to play at a Senior League World Series.   In 2024, Isobel was also a coach of the NSW team which became the inaugural champions of the Australian Little League Girls National Championships - the world's first national title for girls! 

Welcome to Season 5 of Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch, “Firsts”   Join me as a host of trailblazing players from around the world share their stories about how and when they became the first woman to…….   First up is Carly Moore, the first South Australian woman to represent Team Australia Baseball at a WBSC World Cup.

Stacey Saggus - 2012 - One World Cup Wonders For the fifth episode of this series, we hear the story of NSW's Stacey Saggus who made her Nationals debut at the age of 15 at the 2003 Australian Women's Championship where she won gold!  Stacey shares with us her journey in baseball in NSW and her progression to the 2012 Australian Team at the World Cup in Canada.  #womeninsport #womensbaseball #womensbaseball   

Part 2 - Kathy Welsh - 2010 - One World Cup Wonders For the fourth episode of this series, we hear the story of Victoria's Kathy Welsh who took up the sport in her early 20s, before making her Nationals debut at the 2005 Australian Women's Championship with Victoria Provincial, before graduating to the Victorian team where she was part of Victoria's three-peat in 2007-08-09.  Kathy shares with us the impact the Doncaster Baseball Club had on her career, in addition to her time in the Czech Republic, and her progression into the 2010 Australian Team where she won silver at the World Cup in Venezuela.  #womeninsport #womensbaseball #womensbaseball   

Part 1 - Kathy Welsh - 2010 - One World Cup Wonders For the fourth episode of this series, we hear the story of Victoria's Kathy Welsh who took up the sport in her early 20s, before making her Nationals debut at the 2005 Australian Women's Championship with Victoria Provincial, before graduating to the Victorian team where she was part of Victoria's three-peat in 2007-08-09.  Kathy shares with us the impact the Doncaster Baseball Club had on her career, in addition to her time in the Czech Republic, and her progression into the 2010 Australian Team where she won silver at the World Cup in Venezuela.  #womeninsport #womensbaseball #womensbaseball